With around a month and a half before the 2016 Summer Olympics begins, the USA Basketball roster is beginning to take shape. Players are now deciding if they will be joining or not, and with the recently concluded NBA Finals, fans are looking forward to the decision of its two prominent players, LeBron James and Stephen Curry. However, both will not be joining the team.
USA Today reported that James will not be playing for the U.S.A. team this coming Rio Olympics. The news was conveyed by his agent, Rich Paul, to the Associated Press last Thursday.
"I could use the rest," James said to Cleveland.com.
James has already participated in three consecutive Olympic events and got two gold medals. He played during 2004 (Bronze), 2008 (Gold) and 2012 (Gold). He has a total of 68 games played against 11 separate teams and is one of the members of Team U.S.A who have played for the longest period.
The decision is similar with Curry, who is planning to take the time to rest after leading the attempt of the Golden State Warriors to bag the crown during the NBA Finals. It was a back-to-back seven game series, including the Western Conference Finals, Oregon Live stated.
The report also mentioned that Anthony Davis, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, John Wall and Russell Westbrook announced earlier that they would not participate in the Olympics as well. The same is true with Damian Lillard, and Kawhi Leonard. Lillard needs to recuperate from his left foot injury, while Leonard is expecting a child this July.
Those committed to play in the upcoming Olympics are Carmelo Anthony, Jimmy Butler, Kevin Durant, Paul George, Draymond Green, DeAndre Jordan, Kyle Lowry, and DeMarcus Cousins. Team U.S.A. is also hoping that Kyrie Irving will say yes, Sporting News reported.
Additionally, Klay Thompson hasn't decided yet, while Mike Conley and DeMar DeRozan are being considered for the lineup.
Basketball fans can expect more news as the deadline nears, by the end of June.
